Alan Shearer has lauded Declan Rice’s performance for Arsenal against Manchester United.
Declan Rice scored his first goal for Arsenal since his £105 million move from West Ham United this summer on Sunday. The late strike against Manchester United proved to be the match winner and was a just reward for Rice following a fine all-round display.
The 24-year-old was a dominant force in the middle of the park against the Red Devils. As per WhoScored’s stats, the 43-cap England international made 73 passes, one tackle, two interceptions, and won three aerial duels against Erik ten Hag’s side. He was the foundation that the Gunners’ attacking play was built upon.
Mikel Arteta will be delighted with how quickly Rice has grown into his role at the north London club. The £240,000-a-week midfielder has already established himself as the lynchpin that his teammates operate around, despite only have made five competitive appearances for the Gunners.
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Shearer says Rice shines for Arsenal
Legendary former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer was impressed by Rice’s display against Manchester United. Speaking to the official Premier League website, Shearer picked the Arsenal man in his Team of the Week, and noted that the player “cost a lot of money and produced a huge goal. His face told the story.”
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Rice, of course, did look delighted to see his 96th minute strike squirm past Andre Onana. The atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium, which has been raucous throughout the match, became pandemonium at that point. Rice was mobbed by teammates and fans in a morass of bodies near one of the corner flags.
Consistency is what Arteta will be calling for from Rice and the rest of his Arsenal squad now. They have taken ten points from their first four Premier League games of the season, whereas reigning champions Manchester City have amassed the maximum of twelve available points.
If Arsenal are to challenge Manchester City for the title again this season, they will need to be at their best week in, week out. Rice has been brought in to take them a step closer to being able to achieve that.